Featured Plant

Black Locust

May 10, 2012

The fragrant, clustering blooms of the Locust.

A unique member of the pea family, Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacaci) is an eye-catching flowering tree found on the Pier 1 and Main Street locations in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Black Locust is known for its pea-like blossoms that elegantly droop from the tree’s densely intertwined branches. These white, fragrant blossoms grow in clusters protruding from the ends of branches during late spring and early summer for approximately two weeks. Throughout this period, honeybees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths may be seen pollinating the plants. The fragrance can be intoxicating, emanating a distinct candy-like sent, arguably Pez.

Typically reaching a height of 40 to 50 feet, the crown’s branches are densely distributed with dark, blue-green leaves, providing a rich background for the flowers and seedpods. The bark and branches of the crown are incredibly hard and rot resistant, making it extremely useful for woodworking. All of the wooden posts in Brooklyn Park are made of this resilient wood, which is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to Ipe.

The Locust's spreading crown adorned with blooms on Pier 1's Harborview Lawn.

The tree is quick growing and also quick to fall apart, making it a rare tree in traditional landscape design. However its beauty is undeniable and it will provide the new park with the shade that only a fast growing tree can provide.

Black Locust is native to the southeastern United States but has spread all over the country and to many other continents as well. Originally imported elsewhere for quick lumber, the tree has turned invasive in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Even in our park, the tree shows spreading tendencies that our staff works to contain. Although the Locust may be trying to tame, its unique form and gorgeous flowers makes it difficult to bypass.